Arkansas Code
Subchapter 23 - Perinatal Palliative Care Information Act
§ 20-16-2302. Legislative findings and purpose

(a) The General Assembly finds that:
(1) As diagnosis of prenatal conditions improves, more lethal fetal anomalies are diagnosed earlier in pregnancy;
(2)
(A) Currently, parents are often given minimal options.
(B) Parents must choose between terminating the pregnancy or simply waiting for the child to die;

(3) The majority of parents in the situation described in subdivision (a)(2) of this section choose to terminate the pregnancy, with only twenty percent (20%) of parents deciding to continue the pregnancy;
(4) Studies indicate that choosing to terminate a pregnancy can pose severe long-term psychological risks for a woman, including the risk of post-traumatic stress, depression, and anxiety;
(5) Parents who choose to continue the pregnancy under the supportive, compassionate care of a perinatal palliative care team report being emotionally and spiritually prepared for the birth of a child; and
(6) Studies reveal that when given the option, at least eighty to eighty-seven percent (80-87%) of parents choose to continue their pregnancies in a supportive environment of perinatal palliative care.

(b) It is the purpose of this subchapter to:
(1) Guarantee that a woman considering an abortion after a diagnosis of a lethal fetal anomaly is presented with information on the option of perinatal palliative care; and
(2) Ensure that any abortion choice that a woman makes has been fully informed.

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